Philips Respironics has announced a settlement of nearly half a billion dollars to resolve economic damages allegedly suffered due to the use of their continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) machines. The settlement comes after recalls and lawsuits and will pay out $479 million to plaintiffs and affected class members.
Philips Respironics makes a variety of CPAP and Bilevel Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) machines. In 2021, a recall was issued that claimed that millions of CPAP devices contained a defect that caused the sound-insulating foam of the device to break down and seep into the machine, resulting in the inhalation of toxic foam particles and leading to a number of alleged injuries from affected plaintiffs. Many plaintiffs filed lawsuits alleging economic, health, and other damages. The settlement from Philips seeks to specifically resolve economic claims.
According to the Washington Post, Philips will pay $55-$1,552 to plaintiffs who bought, leased, or rented the devices with additional payouts made available to plaintiffs who bought or leased multiple units. There is also a $100 offer for every device returned. Over 10.8 million CPAP devices have been recalled and an additional 2.5 million replaced.
While this settlement partially reimburses plaintiffs who bought a device that allegedly led to cancer, lung damage, breathing problems, and other injuries, it does not resolve any of the claims that Philips’ device caused these injuries. Those lawsuit claims will continue to be litigated after the settlement goes through. Additionally, the settlement Philips offered does not include any admissions of liability or responsibility for the defective devices or the subsequent adverse events suffered by plaintiffs.
Many Philips claims are currently bundled together in class actions or mass tort claims like multidistrict litigations (MDLs). Additionally, there are other claims against Philips CPAP and BiPAP machines besides the alleged injuries from degrading, toxic foam inhalation. Other lawsuits and claims center on devices recalled for faulty parts or dysfunctional units.
If you have been injured by a medical device or drug that you believe to be defective, you may be entitled to financial compensation. Contact MedTruth today for a free case review and begin your journey to justice.